…[shows] a true command of his instrument with a very studied and soulful essence.
—Josh Davies, International Trumpet Guild Journal – October 2011, p. 91
Aaron Lington [played a] suave baritone sax…
—David Bratman, San Francisco Classical Voice, October 3, 2011
…gorgeous solos by baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington…
—Richard Scheinin, San Jose Mercury News, October 2, 2011
On [Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Two] the piano is replaced by guitar, and Aaron Lington in the “tenor chair” is sporting a baritone. He’s got a rude, rich sound on the instrument that plays well off the delicacy of the rest of the 5tet. The heart of the recording is “The Ravenspurn Collection,” a suite of six English folk tunes arranged anew by [Lington]. This suite is based on Ralph Vaughan Williams’s composition “Six Studies in English Folksong for Cello and Piano,” but rather than a jazz arrangement of the Vaughan Williams pieces, [Lington] has gone back to the root materials to find vehicles for improvisation. Yet despite the Celtic sources, Tynan and Lington and compatriots come up with a wonderful and totally American jazz sound, and it makes [Chapter Two] a solid mainstream set based on some sweet melodic improvisation.
—Phillip McNally, Cadence – Jan-Feb-Mar 2011, Vol. 37, Nos. 1-2-3, p. 271
Trumpeter Paul Tynan and baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington met while both men were students at North Texas State (home to one of the major college jazz studies programs) in the late 1990s. Their second release together, with guitarist Scott Sorkin, bassist John Shifflett and drummer Jason Lewis, has an unusual centerpiece: Lington’s adaptations of English folk tunes arranged by classical composer Ralph Vaughn Williams as “Six Studies in English Folksong for Cello and Piano,” though because of changes in key, tempos and the length of certain phrases (while retaining most of the melodies), he retitled them as “The Ravenspurn Collection.” The opening selection, “Lovely on the Water,” is reshaped into a driving intense blues with relatively calm solos by Tynan and Sorkin bracketing Lington’s furious Pepper Adams-like baritone. The hymn-like sound of “The Lady and the Dragoon” should come as no surprise, as Vaughan Williams wrote a number of sacred works and hymns during his long career; Lington’s majestic baritone and Tynan’s subdued flugelhorn, with the closing phrase incorporating the traditional melody “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” The up tempo “As I Walked Over London Bridge” provides a startling contrast, with sparkling solos in a decidedly post-bop setting. The music throughout this enjoyable CD keeps revealing new facets with each hearing. 4 1/2 Stars.
—Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Trumpeter Paul Tynan and saxophonist Aaron Lington on this first of hopefully many releases of their Bicoastal Collective, a group formed from the relationship forged at the University of North Texas in the late 1990s. Despite living many time zones apart, Tynan and Lington seem to be neighbors in their love of heady jazz, as the tracks on this album display their talents as both modern composers and as strong mainstream improvisers. Counterpoint and lush voicings are replete throughout and the term “collective” applies not only to the egalitarian treatment of the group at large, but also to their modern use of early-jazz improvisational technique. A fine instance of Tynan and Lington employing said technique is heard during the fourth movement of Tynan’s seven-movement Story of Langston Suite, his musical autobiography of the influences that have led him to his current position as associate professor of jazz studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. Tynan’s compositional pedigree from the big band program at North Texas is in full view, as his writing for ten instruments often makes them sound like twenty; and the smoothness with which one section of a tune flows to another is so well conceived that it is at times difficult for the casual listener to keep track of where they have been from section to section or tune to tune. Nonetheless, while this is an album that could be enjoyed for its surface prettiness, like most of the best jazz, it requires multiple hearings to unlock its true beauty.
—Adam Gaines, Professor of Jazz Trumpet, University of Wisconsin; ITG Journal, June 2010 (Vol. 34, No. 4)
Based upon a musical and personal friendship forged while studying at North Texas State University, Nova Scotia-‐based trumpeter Paul Tynan and San Jose-‐based baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington formed the Bicoastal Collective, a tentet composed of players from locales like the Bay Area, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Nova Scotia, Iowa, and Texas. Putting aside the dizzying details of getting all of these folks into a studio, much less on tour, the group comes across as one that has been playing together for a long time and, further, create a rich full sound that belies their rather small instrumental size. As for the compositions, they speak to the “Modern Mainstream Big Band” type of writing that seems rather popular at present (with Gil Evans as its icon). The majority of the record’s playing time centers around Tynan’s seven-‐movement suite, “Story of Langston Suite.” The series embraces a cross-section of moods in its homage to “musicians and educators” that influenced Tynan, with plenty of focus on the leaders; Tynan and Lington both excel on “The 4th Letter” and “Six Years,” and there are also strong solo spotlights for guitarist Kevin Brunkhorst on “Dub’s Lament,” pianist Stefan Karlsson on “Chanting for Staples,” and altoist Bobby Selvaggio on the spirited “Red Beard’s Romp.” The suite is really a testament to the rich tapestries painted by Tynan, as well as his sprightly solo work throughout (with several turns obviously influenced by Kenny Wheeler). The remaining pieces by Lington are also worthwhile exercises, with the midtempo Jazz colors starting off the program on “The Gauntlet,” as well as the introspective closer, “March of the Pariahs,” a feature for some of Tynan’s best work. The result is a document of modern enlarged ensemble Jazz filled with adept writing and excellent trumpet/flugelhorn work from Tynan.
—Jay Collins, Cadence
Originally hailing from San Francisco and Nova Scotia, the co-leaders of the newly-minted Bicoastal Collective (Paul Tynan and Aaron Lington) met in Texas and later formed a band with college acquaintances, also hailing from throughout North America. After an introductory (and outstanding) jazz waltz that sounds like a small big band is at work, the collective moves into a long series of pieces showcasing elements of sound throughout trumpeter Paul Tynan’s development and career. The movements build slowly one by one, increasing in energy and in ornamentation as they go, and increasing the influence of the trumpet to the overall sound. This is where the album really starts to pick up. Bit by bit, the band adds their individual elements, growing careful grooves and solos along the way. The collection of instruments in the band gives a nice range of possible coloration to the affair, and the bandleaders make full use of that along the way with their compositions (all originals on the album). The color is there throughout, though the energy ebbs and flows a bit. There’s a lot of potential in the outfit and in the concept, but there’s more development to be had still. Be on the lookout for a future “Chapter Two” and see where the collective has gone.
—Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
As I’ve mentioned before, there are a large number of enormously talented yet largely unsung Jazz musicians hidden in various nooks and crannies all over this great country of ours, and here are five more, capably led by baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington. I can’t say much about the album (there are no liner notes) aside from the fact that it was recorded in San Jose, CA, and that all of the compositions are Lington’s. What I do know from listening is that Lington and his companions are topnotch musicians who deserve a far wider audience than this enterprise is likely to draw. If comparisons are to be made, one must concede that Lington is a stylistic and sonic replica of the late Nick Brignola, while trumpeter Paul Tynan has the technical fluency and crystalline sound of a Bobby Shew or Marvin Stamm. Similarities aside, each has his own message to impart, and does so quite persuasively. I said these were five talented musicians, an observation that bears repeating. The rhythm section is exceedingly perceptive and compatible, while pianist Dahveed Behroozi is a classy soloist who bears watching (and rewards listening). While none of Lington’s compositions are likely to become a standard, Jazz or otherwise, each of them is pleasant enough and serves its purpose, which is to give the players a well-equipped stage on which to perform. These gentlemen are by no means amateurs, and this is a pleasurable album of largely mellow, yet invigorating post-Bop Jazz.
—Jack Bowers, Cadence – August 2006, Vol. 32, No. 8, p. 112
Baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington was revelatory. He obviously relishes the beautiful, blustery bark of his instrument and his solos careened through the music, rubbing against the orchestra.
—Richard Scheinin, San Jose Mercury News
Aaron Lington has a distinctive voice on the baritone saxophone. He plays it with the grace and precision of a smaller horn. His ideas are filled with the richness of the saxophone tradition, yet are uniquely his, presented in a modern framework. Lington’s compositions have interesting melodic shapes and colorful harmonies. His playing and his composing deserve to be heard and experienced by a much wider audience. Hopefully with his new CD, Cape Breton, he will do just that.
—Woody Witt, Apria Records Recording Artist
[Cape Breton] is a CD for jazz lovers who want to kick back and be engulfed with comfortable fresh sounds and swinging combo jazz. What a fine concept – perfectly executed.
–Ron Lipka, International Trumpet Guild Journal, March 2007
The Baritone Saxophone, with its deep, low-end range, does not find itself the center of attention very often. There are simply too few practitioners at the soloist level. Thus a new voice on the instrument is definitely worth noting. But Mr. Lington’s album is much more than a showcase for the instrument, though he does play it amazingly well. Cape Breton is an ensemble record on which the leader presents a well-conceived collection of original music played to perfection by a swinging Bay Area jazz quintet. The character of the album is one that would suit both those of the connoisseur and those who just appreciate the sound of swinging, spacious jazz music.
–Andrew Lienhard, www.jazzhouston.com
On VIBE OVER PERFECTION, Jamie Davis creates a classy, intimate setting that spotlights his vocal range - tenor, baritone and bass – on 9 great standards. Davis is blessed with an exquisite, full-bodied voice that swings, soothes and seduces with strong sonority. The songs are technically proficient, sweet, powerful and melodic, and leave you feeling really good! His updates of such great standards as “Blue Skies,” “Move To The Outskirts of Town,” and Sly Stone’s “If You Want Me To Stay” swing with easy, jazzy rhythms, while his approach to one of the greatest ballads ever written – “Round Midnight” – is an innovative experience that features his artistry and mastery of singing jazz with bluesy passion and soulful yearning. Accompanied by a wonderful orchestra conducted by Shelly Berg, Davis gets inside of each song and makes them pleasing and entertaining. Davis gives “Hello” (the huge hit for Lionel Ritchie) a brand new style and emotional feeling that proves his ability to interpret songs from a wide array of musical genres. This song is absolutely beautiful and Shelly Berg does an excellent job with the solid jazz arrangement by Aaron Lington. “Nature Boy” swings hard to complete this dynamic set yet offers the listener another reason to hit that replay button! Check it out. VIBE OVER PERFECTION is amazing in every way and should be in your jazz collection.
—www.soundsoftimelessjazz.com
A truly stunning arrangement of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” is [Vibe over Perfection's] highest point. Davis caresses the lyrics and the longing in his voice is accentuated by subtle variations in his timbre and by the accompaniment whose sound on this cut can best be described as haunting hopefulness.
—The Daily Republic, August 1, 2008
Jamie Davis is one of a dying breed – a true, big band jazz singer who carries the flame championed by the likes of Johnny Hartman, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Williams, Big Joe Turner and Jimmy Rushing. Like all those past masters, San Francisco’s Davis knows how to make his material swing and when his soulful vocals are supported by a sympathetic big band, there are fewer sounds more satisfying in modern popular music. Here the band –made up chiefly of players that go on the road as the Count Basie Orchestra – is magnificent and on a varied selection of tunes taken from the great American song book (old and new), singer and players do create the elusive and magical vibe implied in the LP’s title. Familiar standards like ‘Pennies From Heaven’ and ‘Blue Skies’ swing like they’ve rarely swung before while on modern pop classics – like Burt Bacharach’s ‘The Look Of Love’ -Davis forces you to look at the tune in a whole new way. Soul collectors will need to grab a listen too to there working of Lou Rawls’ ever-lovely ‘You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine’. Faster, bigger and much brasher than the original, it proves that a good, well-crafted song will always satisfy, intrigue and reveal new nuances no matter what its setting. The most remarkable cut here though is a version of Lionel Ritchie’s ‘Hello’. Often(and many would say rightly) the song is dismissed as maudlin and overwrought, but Aaron Lington’s arrangement creates an appropriate level of sensitivity without resort to cloying sentimentality. The other featured songs are the jazz standard ‘Round Midnight’, the blues classic ‘I’m Going To Move To The Outskirts Of Town’, the perennial ‘Nature Boy’ and Sly Stone’s ‘If You Want Me To Stay’. In 1968 the great Jackie Wilson recorded a remarkable album with Count Basie; if you liked that – I’m confident that you’ll dig this one too.
—www.soulandjazzandfunk.com